Five Best Trails in America

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Looking to take a venture off the beaten path to the less beaten path? Well, we’ve got the five best trails in America, whether you’re looking to check out something nearby or make it a vacation.

If you’re in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains, you’re probably not too far from the Appalachian Trail. America’s most celebrated trail, it’s the daily stomping ground for millions of runners along the Eastern United States. So if you’re in the area (anywhere from Georgia to Maine), this would be the trail to check out.

Going out west, but not as far as the coast, you’ll run into the Mesa Trail in Colorado. Nestled in the Flatirons, this 7-mile trail is a staple training ground for ultrarunners, marathoners and triathletes.

Not too far away from the concrete jungle that is New York City is the Finger Lakes Trail. If Central Park isn’t enough for you, this trail covers 950 miles of running room, and traverses gorges, ravines and woodlands.

Unless you live in Hawaii, you might only encounter the Kalalau Trail while on vacation. Frankly, postcards don’t do this trail justice, as on this path you’ll navigate through five lush valleys ending up at the Kalalau Beach.

If you’re looking to take on the granddaddy of them all, look no further than the Long Trail in Vermont. Running the length of the state from the Massachussetts border to Canada, the mountainous terrain features steep uphills and abrupt downhills.